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Tc1 and Tc2 effector cell therapy elicit long-term tumor immunity by contrasting mechanisms that result in complementary endogenous type 1 antitumor responses.

Cytolytic CD8(+) effector cells fall into two subpopulations based on cytokine secretion. Type 1 CD8(+) T cells (Tc1) secrete IFN-gamma, whereas type 2 CD8(+) T cells (Tc2) secrete IL-4 and IL-5. Both effector cell subpopulations display predominantly perforin-dependent cytolysis in vitro. Using an OVA-transfected B16 lung metastases model, we show that adoptively transferred OVA-specific Tc1 and Tc2 cells induce considerable suppression, but not cure, of pulmonary metastases. However, long-term tumor immunity prolonged survival times indefinitely and was evident by resistance to lethal tumor rechallenge. At early stages after therapy, protection by Tc2 and Tc1 effector cells were dependent in part on effector cell-derived IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-gamma, respectively. Whereas effector cell-derived perforin was not necessary. Over time the numbers of both donor cells diminished to low, yet still detectable, levels. Concomitantly, Tc1 and Tc2 effector cell therapies potentiated endogenous recipient-derived antitumor responses by inducing 1) local T cell-derived chemokines associated with type 1-like immune responses; 2) elevated levels of recipient-derived OVA tetramer-positive CD8 memory T cells that were CD44(high), CD122(+), and Ly6C(high) that predominantly produced IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha; and 3) heightened numbers of activated recipient-derived Th1 and Tc1 T cell subpopulations expressing CD25(+), CD69(+), and CD95(+) cell surface activation markers. Moreover, both Tc2 and Tc1 effector cell therapies were dependent in part on recipient-derived IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha for long-term survival and protection. Collectively, Tc1 and Tc2 effector cell immunotherapy mediate long-term tumor immunity by different mechanisms that subsequently potentiate endogenous recipient-derived type 1 antitumor responses.

Animals↗

Tolerance induction by veto CTLs in the TCR transgenic 2C mouse model. II. Deletion of effector cells by Fas-Fas ligand apoptosis.

The direct assay of veto CTLs in the 2C mouse model enables monitoring, by FACS, the fate of the TCR transgenic effector CD8(+) T cells, the transgene of which can be stained with clonotypic Ab 1B2. After the addition of veto cells, CD8(+)1B2(+) effector cells increasingly express annexin V, and maximal apoptosis is attained 72 h after initiation of MLR. This veto activity can be partially blocked by anti-CD8 Abs directed against the allele expressed by the veto CTLs, but not by the effector cells. When effector CD8(+) T cells were from 2C mice, which lack Fas expression ((2CX lpr)F(2)), deletion of effector cells was not exhibited by veto cells. The protein levels of the apoptosis inhibitors FLIP and Bcl2 in purified CD8(+)1B2(+) effector cells at different time points after MLR showed an initial up-regulation of these inhibitors, with marked reduction of FLIP, but not of Bcl2, by 48 h after initiation of culture. Taken together, these results are in accordance with a Fas-FasL-based mechanism in which prolonged binding between the effector cell and the veto cell might be required to allow FLIP to be down-regulated. Such prolonged interaction might be afforded through the interaction of CD8 molecules on the veto cell with the alpha3 domain of H2 class 1 on the effector cell.

Animals↗

Constitutive expression of CCR7 directs effector CD8 T cells into the splenic white pulp and impairs functional activity.

Antigenic stimulation down-regulates CCR7 on effector T cells. To analyze the importance of CCR7 down-regulation, transgenic (tg) mice constitutively expressing CCR7 were generated. CD8 T cells with defined Ag specificity were obtained by breeding CCR7-tg mice with P14 TCR-tg mice specific for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Transgenic CCR7 expression did not impair proliferation of P14.CCR7 T cells induced by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection, but prevented CCR7 down-regulation. Compared with wild-type P14 effector cells, P14.CCR7 effector cells, expressing the CCR7 transgene, were increased in the spleen, but decreased in blood and peripheral tissues. Moreover, P14.CCR7 effector cells localized almost exclusively in the splenic white pulp, whereas P14 effector cells were excluded from splenic white pulp cords and were found preferentially in the red pulp. Functional experiments further revealed that P14.CCR7 effector cells were impaired in rapid viral clearance and in inducing Ag-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions. Thus, the present study demonstrates that down-regulation of CCR7 during CD8 T cell activation is important to release effector cells from the white pulp of the spleen, and highlights the importance of effector cell localization in providing rapid immunity.

Animals↗

Human cytotoxic effector cells: definition and analysis of activity.

Studies have indicated that the complexity of NK and LAK activities goes beyond the question of which effector cell mediates most of this activity. Examination of Nk activity reveals that numerous effector phenotypes can mediate spontaneous, non-MHC-restricted cytotoxicity. These effector cells are predominantly the CD3-, Leu19 (NKH1)+ and the CD3+, Leu19 (NKH1)+ lymphocytes. However, the existence of other effector cells capable of mediating NK activity and the relative contribution of each type of effector cell in vivo situations requires further study. In addition, LAK activity has been attributed to numerous cell types, and an indepth examination of the regulation and recognition events involved in LAK activity indicates a greater degree of heterogeneity than was initially anticipated. The preliminary data presented above support the contention that although NK and LAK activities are quite similar with regard to their lytic properties (e.g. effector phenotype, target selection), their mechanisms of targets cell recognition and lytic attack appear to be quite different. Our investigation of recognition events indicated that IL-2-activated effector cells do not recognize the same structure that is recognized by freshly isolated NK cells. These data suggest that a recognition event occurs on activated cells that can be dissociated from the events involved in NK binding by fresh CD3- LGL. With regard to CD3+ effectors, the role of the TcR and the nature of the receptor mediating LAK activity require further study to determine whether multiple receptors or a single, unique receptor class are expressed after IL-2 stimulation. In addition, the role of IFN gamma and other regulatory cytokines must be further examined to determine their importance in human LAK activity.

Animals↗

Phenotype analyses and cellular mechanisms of the pre-effector T-lymphocyte response to a progressive syngeneic murine sarcoma.

Lymph nodes draining the progressively growing, weakly immunogenic, MCA 105 sarcoma contained tumor-sensitized but not fully functional pre-effector T-cells. These cells could further differentiate to acquire full antitumor effector function for adoptive therapy in an established in vitro sensitization (IVS) procedure. In this study, we utilized selective depletion with antibodies of lymphocyte subsets bearing the L3T4 (CD4) or Lyt-2 (CD8) antigen and of cells bearing the asialo-GM1 (ASGM-1) glycosphingolipid to identify the phenotype of pre-effector cells elicited during progressive tumor growth. Cells from lymph nodes draining a progressive MCA 105 tumor in the footpad were treated with antibodies plus complement prior to IVS. The antitumor efficacy of resulting IVS cells was assessed in adoptive therapy of 3-day established pulmonary MCA 105 metastases. Depletion of Lyt-2+ cells eliminated in vivo antitumor reactivity with concurrent elimination of in vitro cytotoxic activity against the MCA 105 tumor, whereas depletion of L3T4+ cells did not have an impact on either in vivo or in vitro antitumor reactivities. Treatment with ASGM-1 antiserum plus complement was also found to abrogate therapeutic efficacy. However, the in vitro cytotoxic activity was not affected. These results indicate that the pre-effector cells were Lyt-2+, L3T4-, and ASGM-1+. We next examined whether the sensitization of pre-effector cells in vivo required the participation of L3T4+ helper cells. To approach this, mice were depleted of L3T4+, Lyt-2+, or ASGM-1+ cells by antibody injections before tumor inoculation. Treatment with Lyt-2 monoclonal antibody abrogated the pre-effector cell response in the draining lymph nodes, as evidenced by failure to generate therapeutically effective cells following IVS. On the other hand, neither L3T4 nor ASGM-1 antibody treatment affected the generation of pre-effector cells. Thus, sensitization of Lyt-2+ pre-effector cells in response to progressive tumor occurred in the absence of L3T4+ helper cells.

Animals↗

IL-4 directs the development of Th2-like helper effectors.

Our studies show that the presence of IL-4 during the response of naive Th cells causes precursors to develop into a population comprised largely of "Th2-like" effectors that secrete IL-4 and IL-5, but little IL-2 or IFN-gamma. We find that the levels of IL-4 and IL-2 determine both the level of effectors developed in response to mitogen or Ag and the patterns of lymphokines they secrete when restimulated. IL-2 is required for optimum generation of effectors, and increasing levels of IL-2, augments the expansion of effectors secreting both IL-4/IL-5 and IFN-gamma. In contrast, IL-4 is required for the development of IL-4/IL-5 secreting effectors but suppresses the development of IL-2 and at higher doses IFN-gamma-secreting effectors detected after 4 days. Also dramatic are the effects of the presence or absence of IL-4 evaluated after an additional 1 to 2 wk. When cultures with or without initial IL-4 are cultured in IL-2 alone from days 4 to 11, they retain their distinct patterns of lymphokine production. Those cells that developed in cultures without IL-4 progressively secrete more IL-2 and can be maintained and expanded in IL-2. They continue to produce IFN-gamma, though the levels decrease somewhat with time, but they do not acquire the ability to produce IL-4 or IL-5. These cells thus increasingly resemble Th1 cell lines. In contrast, those cells in cultures initially exposed to IL-4, generate effectors which secrete high levels of IL-4/IL-5 (plus variable levels of IFN-gamma) at days 4 to 5, but the populations of cells developed, are not maintained well on IL-2 alone. Those cells that do survive continue to secrete IL-4 and IL-5 but not IL-2. In addition, IFN-gamma production, if present, falls off with time. Thus the cells in these cultures take on an increasingly Th2-like phenotype. It appears that the effects of low levels of IL-4 in suppressing IL-2 production by day 4 effectors appear to be transient whereas the higher levels appear to drive the development along a distinct pathway which is irreversible. These studies support the concept that different subsets of helper cells, which correspond roughly to Th1 and Th2 subsets, can develop rapidly in short term culture with respectively low vs high levels of IL-4. They support the concept that such distinct phenotypes arise from alternate pathways of differentiation that can be expected to reflect pathways available for helper T cell differentiation in the animal.

Animals↗

Human lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells: identification of two types of effector cells.

We analyzed the antigenic phenotype of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) effector cells. Human blood lymphocytes were cultured for 3 days with 100 U/ml recombinant interleukin 2 (rIL 2), subpopulations isolated with monoclonal antibodies and a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) and assayed for cytotoxic activity against 51chromium labeled noncultured melanoma tumor cells. Initial experiments compared the LAK effector function of CD5+ T lymphocytes vs CD5- cells (predominantly CD16+ NK cells). The mean percent specific release at a 10:1 effector:target (E:T) ratio was 25% +/- 16 for CD5- cells, 10% +/- 6 for CD5+ cells, and 22% +/- 9 for unsorted cells. In contrast, when lymphocyte subpopulations were isolated before rIL 2 culture (LAK precursors), CD5- cells but not CD5+ cells developed LAK activity (28% +/- 12 vs 1% +/- 1, mean percent specific release, 10:1 E:T ratio), confirming our previous results showing that only CD16+ cells were LAK precursors. The discrepancy between LAK effector and precursor phenotypes suggested that LAK precursors acquired CD5 determinants during rIL 2 culture; however, double label immunofluorescence of rIL 2 cultured CD16+ cells showed that this was not the case. The data suggested that in the presence of other cell types, some T lymphocytes may develop LAK activity, but purified blood T lymphocytes do not develop LAK function when cultured with rIL 2 alone. We also analyzed LAK effector function in lymphocyte subpopulations defined by CD4 and CD8 antigens. The data showed that lymphocytes with a low density expression of CD8 and no expression of CD4 were enriched for LAK effector cells, whereas CD4+ and CD8- had less activity than unsorted cells. Lymphocytes with a high density expression of CD8 had activity similar to unsorted cells. We also assessed the contribution of Leu-7 (HNK-1) granular lymphocytes to LAK effector function. After culture with IL 2, lymphocytes were depleted of Leu-7+ cells by antibody and complement treatment and then were sorted into CD5+ and CD5- fractions. The cytotoxic activity of Leu-7-CD5+ cells was a mean 5% +/- 5 vs a mean 14% +/- 8 for the total CD5+ population (20:1 E:T ratio). The activity of Leu-7- CD5- was slightly less than the total CD5- fraction (21% +/- 9 vs 28% +/- 14, 10:1 E:T ratio). In conclusion, LAK effector function was highest in non-T cell (CD5- CD16+) populations and some activity was also present in T cell populations (CD5+ and predominantly Leu-7+).

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Local activation of the killing mechanism in PU5 antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity effector cells.

This study was undertaken to determine whether ADCC effector cells expressed their killing mechanism globally throughout the entire cell surface or locally in a restricted area. Nonantibody-coated erythrocytes were bound to PU5 ADCC effector cells by either Con A or protein A-Ig bridges, and the effector cells with the adherent nonspecific erythrocyte target cells were mixed with specific antibody-coated erythrocytes. Our results indicated that the Con A or protein A-Ig-linked erythrocytes were not destroyed while the effector cell was in the process of killing specific antibody-coated erythrocytes. Therefore, the ADCC killing mechanisms of PU5 cells require activation by the interaction of Fc receptor with specific antibody-coated erythrocytes, and these killing mechanisms, once activated, are expressed in a locally restricted area of the effector cells rather than globally throughout the entire surfaces of the ADCC effector cell. Previously, we investigated the expression of the killing mechanism in cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) and found that alloimmune CTL in the process of killing specific target cells did not kill nonspecific targets linked to the CTL by either wheat germ agglutinin or immunoglobulin bridges. Thus, with respect to the surface membrane expression of lytic activity, CTL and the PU5 ADCC effector cells are similar. Our findings support the view that the various effector killing cells have a common cytolytic pathway and differ only by the recognition and triggering mechanisms.

Animals↗

The cytokines IL-4, IFN-gamma, and IL-12 regulate the development of subsets of memory effector helper T cells in vitro.

We analyzed the development of cytokine-producing effector T cells from resting CD4 memory cells. Previously we showed that such memory effectors are induced in vivo upon re-exposure to Ag. Here we demonstrate that effectors arise in vitro when memory CD4 cells are restimulated with Ag in the presence cytokines. Resting splenic CD4 cells from KLH-primed mice that were depleted of naive cells by adult thymectomy and were exclusively of memory phenotype initially secreted high titers of IL-2 and low levels of IL-4 and IFN-gamma in response to Ag. When memory CD4 cells were restimulated for 3 to 4 days in cultures containing rIL-2 and Ab to block endogenous IFN-gamma and IL-4 secretion, Th0-like effectors that produced greatly increased levels of IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-gamma developed. rIL-4 together with rIL-2 and anti-IFN-gamma induced Th2-like cells that secreted primarily IL-4. In contrast, Th1-like effectors that produced IL-2 and IFN-gamma developed in the presence of rIL-2 and anti-IL-4. Addition of rIFN-gamma further enhanced priming for IFN-gamma secretion. rIL-12 also induced effectors that produced high levels of IFN-gamma, but little IL-2. Thus, cytokines direct the development of effector subsets from memory CD4 cells. Our results suggest that memory and naive CD4 cells undergo parallel development following Ag stimulation, initially secreting predominantly IL-2 and differentiating in response to IL-4, IFN-gamma, and IL-12 into polarized effector subsets.

Animals↗

Naive and effector CD4 T cells differ in their requirements for T cell receptor versus costimulatory signals.

We used naive CD4 cells and in vitro-derived Th1 and Th2 effectors from TCR transgenic mice to investigate the requirements of these subsets for TCR signaling and interactions with accessory molecules. Peptide Ag and immobilized anti-CD3 were used to provide different TCR signals. Anti-CD28 Ab or a panel of class II+ fibroblasts, expressing no accessory molecules or expressing intracellular adhesion molecule-1, B7-1, or both molecules, were used as APC or accessory cells (AC). An efficient naive T cell response required a strong TCR signal (high dose anti-CD3 or peptide) and high levels of multiple synergizing costimulatory signals, while effector cells responded efficiently to anti-CD3 alone. Addition of AC only slightly augmented the effector response. Effectors responded to lower doses of peptide than naive cells. However, when peptide-pulsed APC were used to stimulate effectors, requirements varied with the cytokine measured. The production of IL-4 did not require accessory molecules on APC. IL-2 production required interacting APC to express accessory molecules, but was little augmented by AC not presenting Ag, suggesting a requirement for noncostimulatory interactions. Proliferation of effectors closely paralleled IL-2 production. Production of IFN-gamma was intermediate in dependence on accessory molecules, and production of IL-5 was nearly as dependent as IL-2. These results establish major differences between the induction of naive and effector responses and document differential requirements for the induction of distinct cytokines, indicating that different cytokines may be produced depending on the context of effector restimulation.

Animals↗

Systematic discovery of pathogen effector functions across human pathogens and pathways.

Pathogens deploy effector proteins to exploit host cell biology, and most effector open reading frames (ORFs) are rapidly evolving and lack functional annotation. We developed the effector ORFeome (eORFeome), a scalable functional genomics platform encompassing 3,835 effector ORFs from diverse viruses, bacteria, and parasites. High-throughput barcoded screens across nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), apoptosis, p53, cGAS-STING, and major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC class I) pathways revealed novel pathway-modulating functions for hundreds of uncharacterized eORFs, unexpected activities of known effectors, and distinct pathway-specific functions encoded by single ORFs. Illustrating the power of this approach, we identified HHV6A U14 as a p53 antagonist, HHV7 U21 as a dual-function STING antagonist and MHC-I antigen display inhibitor, and adenoviral 13.6K/i-leader protein as a de novo-evolved TAP inhibitor that suppresses MHC-I display. These results establish a general framework for systematic effector annotation, uncover new mechanisms of host-pathogen interaction across kingdoms, and highlight pathogen effectors as a versatile toolkit for rewiring and probing human cellular pathways.

Humans↗

Systematic Identification and Functional Characterisation of Colletotrichum fructicola Effectors During Camellia oleifera Colonisation.

Camellia oleifera is an important woody oil crop in southern China, but its production is severely threatened by anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum fructicola. C. fructicola deploys secreted effector proteins to establish infection. However, systematic identification and functional characterisation of C. fructicola effector genes upregulated during infection remains largely unexplored. Here, we integrated genome-wide secretome prediction with RNA-seq data from C. oleifera leaves inoculated with C. fructicola to identify candidate effectors induced during infection, followed by functional screening, targeted gene deletion, complementation and pathogenicity assays. Five novel effectors required for C. fructicola full virulence were identified, all of which suppressed Bax-induced cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana. Targeted deletion of the corresponding genes in C. fructicola reduced lesion areas by 47%-78% on C. oleifera leaves and by up to 67% on apple fruits, whereas complementation restored their virulence to wild-type levels. Transcriptomic profiling of infected postharvest C. oleifera fruits identified differentially expressed genes enriched in GO terms related to copper ion response, as well as in KEGG pathways associated with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, and plant-pathogen interactions. In addition, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities, as well as malondialdehyde content, were altered in C. oleifera leaves inoculated with the effector-deletion mutants compared with those infected with the wild-type strain, suggesting that these effectors may contribute to the modulation of host oxidative stress responses. Taken together, our findings provide genetic and physiological evidence that these effectors contribute to C. fructicola virulence, offering potential targets for anthracnose control.

Colletotrichum↗

Human T cell antigens involved in cytotoxicity against allogeneic or autologous chemically modified targets. Association of the Leu 2a/T8 antigen with effector-target cell binding and of the T3/Leu 4 antigen with triggering.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) recognizing human T cell differentiation antigens were employed to analyze the role of these antigens on T cell-mediated cytotoxicity against autologous 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP)-modified targets. The OKT3/anti-Leu 4 and anti-Leu 2a/OKT8 mAb inhibited T cell-mediated cytotoxicity against autologous or unrelated TNP-modified targets, in the absence of complement and at the effector cell level. These cytotoxic effector cells were T3+, T8+, T11+, T4-. To analyze the role of the T3/Leu 4 and Leu 2a/T8 T cell differentiation antigens in the cytolytic process, we investigated the stages of this process that were inhibited by the OKT3/anti-Leu 4 and anti-Leu 2a/OKT8 mAb. Using: (a) visual adhesions, and (b) a single cell cytotoxicity assay in agarose, we observed that the OKT3 and anti-Leu 4 mAb did not inhibit binding of effector cells to allogeneic targets or to autologous E rosette-negative TNP-modified targets, although they significantly inhibited both the proportions of target cells in conjugates that were lysed, and the 51Cr release. In contrast, the anti-Leu 2a and OKT8 mAb blocked cytotoxicity by inhibiting binding of effector cells to the allogeneic or to autologous chemically modified targets. To further analyze the stages of the cytolytic process (adhesion; programming for lysis or lethal hit; and cytotoxic cell-independent lysis) that were inhibited by these mAb, we employed the detachment and dispersion method. This method is based on the differential temperature requirements of adhesion (which occurred both at 37 degrees C or 20 degrees C) and of programming for lysis (which occurred at 37 degrees C but not at 20 degrees C). Operational adhesions were determined by the 51Cr-release assay after dispersion of effector and target cells in a 10% solution of dextran (mol. wt. 500 000). Programming for lysis was determined by the 51Cr-release assay after detachment of effector-target cell conjugates with 10 mM EDTA and dispersion in 10% dextran solution. Using this method we determined that mAb recognizing the Leu 2a/T8 antigen blocked cytotoxicity by inhibiting adhesion and binding of effector cells to target cells. These antibodies do not affect post-adhesion stages of the cytolytic process. In contrast, the OKT3 and anti-Leu 4 mAb inhibit a post-adhesion step of the cytolytic process, that occurs before irreversible events of the programming for lysis stage have taken place.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Palmitate-derivatized antibodies can specifically "arm" macrophage effector cells for ADCC.

The use of palmitate-derivatized antibodies (pal-Ab) for "arming" macrophage (M phi) effector cells for antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is described. Pal-Ab were incorporated onto the M phi plasma membranes by insertion of the palmitate hydrocarbon chains into the outer leaflet of the phospholipid bilayer. M phi bearing pal-Ab specific for chicken erythrocytes (CE) mediated efficient destruction of the CE targets. Neither non-ADCC effector cell populations nor pal-Ab consisting of antibody F(ab')2 fragments effected significant CE lysis. M phi bearing pal-Ab that were not specific for CE did not mediate CE destruction, nor did anti-CE pal-Ab-bearing M phi lyse nonspecific human erythrocyte targets. In this system of effector cell arming, the palmitate anchor of pal-Ab allows for the incorporation of large numbers of antibodies onto the effector cell surface, where they can promote efficient target cell capture and engage preexisting or newly expressed FcR on the effector cell surface. The results in this study, together with those from previous and ongoing investigations in which F(ab')2 pal-Ab were shown to mediate Fc receptor (FcR)-independent cytotoxicity by natural killer (NK) cells and M phi populations at appropriate states of activation, suggest that pal-Ab, by directing both ADCC and FcR-independent effector cell activity onto a specified target, offer important advantages over other methods of effector cell arming.

Animals↗

Lymphokine regulation of macrophage effector activities.

Our concept of the regulation of macrophage activation is ever expanding and contracting. In regard to the number of LK that regulate macrophages killing activities, we have entered a new phase. In the beginning there was one macrophage activation factor, MIF; then there were many macrophage activation factors, most uncharacterized and bearing a variety of names. Then came IFN, a genetically cloned single reagent that induced destruction of virtually every target assessed; all activities of macrophages were assumed to be regulated by IFN. Once again, however, the LK universe is expanding: the number of single, cloned reagents that induce macrophage killing activities is amazing. With just two targets, a fibrosarcoma cell and an intracellular amastigote of L. major, we can identify 5 different macrophage activation factors, four of which are cloned and sequenced. As more recombinant reagents become available, the story of macrophage activation is likely to become even more complex. It is fascinating not only that certain of the LK are capable of inducing single effector reactions in the absence of effects on other effector activities, but also that at least one effector reaction requires the cooperation of several molecularly distinct LK. The complexity of LK activation factors that regulate a single effector reaction in vitro is compounded by the complexity in effector cell populations. For example, inflammatory macrophages exposed to LK kill the fibrosarcoma tumor target 5 to 10-fold better than an equal number of resident peritoneal macrophages. In contrast, LK treated resident macrophages eliminate intracellular amastigotes of leishmania far more efficiently than inflammatory cells. Thus, changes in cell populations dramatically affect the capacity to demonstrate a single effector reaction. Further, simple changes in assay conditions also determine whether an effector reaction can be observed in vitro. And superimposed upon all these layers of complexity is the target itself. The mechanisms a macrophages uses to block the replication of a virus may be totally ineffective in the destruction of a multicellular helminth, such as Schistosoma mansoni. And there is no reason to suspect that the extracellular destruction of a tumor target occurs by the same means that the macrophage uses to kill an intracytoplasmic bacterium, such as a rickettsia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

Allosteric effectors of hemoglobin as modulators of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in vitro and in vivo.

INTRODUCTION: A series of molecules designed to be allosteric effectors of hemoglobin were examined for their potential as radiation sensitizers in vitro and in vivo and for their potential as chemosensitizers in vivo as well as for their antimetastatic effect. RESULTS: At a concentration of 100 microM for 1 h prior to, during and for 1.5 h after radiation exposure, the allosteric effectors decreased the shoulder of the radiation survival curve of normally oxygenated EMT-6 cells and increased the slope of the radiation survival curves of hypoxic EMT-6 cells resulting in dose-modifying factors of 1.8 to 2.1. In vivo the allosteric effectors had antitumor activity against the Lewis lung carcinoma and produced primarily additive tumor growth delay when administered along with fractionated radiation therapy. When administered on days 4 through 18 after tumor implantation, the allosteric effectors, especially JP-7, RSR-13 and RSR-4, were highly effective antimetastatic agents in animals bearing Lewis lung carcinoma. In cell culture, simultaneous exposure to the allosteric effectors (at 100 microM) effectively sensitized EMT-6 cells to the effects of 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide, thiotepa and carboplatin. The allosteric effectors were not very cytotoxic toward EMT-6 tumor cells from tumors treated in vivo with single doses of each molecule nor were these agents very cytotoxic toward bone marrow CFU-GM taken from the same animals. CONCLUSIONS: It is likely that the allosteric effectors have a molecular target in addition to hemoglobin. Other possible targets include hydroxymethyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase or microsomal cytochrome b5.

Allosteric Regulation↗

Mechanism of cell-mediated cytotoxicity at the single-cell level. VII. Trigger of the lethal hit event is distinct for NK/K and LDCC effector cells as measured in the two-target conjugate assay.

Normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) express several in vitro cytotoxic functions, among which are natural killer (NK), antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and lectin-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (LDCC). The relationship of these various cytotoxic functions and the identity of cells involved has been a subject of controversy. Recently it was reported that NK and K for ADCC can be mediated by the same cell, suggesting that they constitute in large part a single subpopulation with multiple cytotoxic functions. The ability of this NK/K effector cell to mediate LDCC was examined here using the two target conjugate assay. The effector cells were Ficoll-Hypaque PBL or LGL-enriched fractions. The targets used were K562 or MOLT for NK, RAJI coated with antibody for ADCC, and RAJI coated with PHA or Con A or modified by NaIO4 for LDCC. In the two-target conjugate assay, one of the targets is fluorescein labeled for identification. The results show that (a) LDCC copurifies with NK/K and is enriched in the LGL fraction, as measured in both the 51Cr-release assay and the single-cell assay for cytotoxicity; (b) single effector cells simultaneously bind to NK or ADCC and LDCC targets, revealing that single cells bear binding receptors for all targets; and (c) single lymphocytes were not able to kill both bound NK/K and LDCC targets. However, significant two-target killing was obtained when both targets were NK targets, ADCC targets, LDCC targets, or one NK and one ADCC target. These results demonstrate that the NK and LDCC effector cells are distinct subpopulations copurified in the LGL fraction. In addition, the results show that lectin is unable to trigger globally an NK effector cell to mediate cytotoxicity against a bound NK insensitive target. Thus, although both NK and LDCC effector cells are present in the LGL fraction and can bind to both types of targets, the trigger of the lethal hit event is the function of specialized effector cells.

Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity↗

Lack of reconstitution of nude mice alloreactivity by purified interleukin 2 and induction of non-H-2-specific effector cells by crude supernatants.

To verify or to challenge the reports indicating that IL-2 was the only molecule involved in the reconstitution of nu/nu mice alloreactivity in vitro, Balb/c (H-2d) nu/nu spleen cells were primed in culture against C57/B16 (H-2b) in the presence of crude IL-2-containing supernatants or purified IL-2. The generation of cytotoxic effectors was evaluated against a panel of 51Cr-labeled target cells. Although crude IL-2-containing supernatants sustained the generation of cytotoxic effectors, purified "natural" IL-2 (from different origins) and recombinant IL-2 were not able to do so. Con A or PHA were identified as cofactors synergizing with IL-2 to induce effectors from nu/nu spleen cells. These effectors efficiently lysed EL4 (H-2b, tumor line), but not mitogen-induced blast cells from the same strain. They also lysed targets bearing irrelevant allogenic H-2 specificities. Cold competition experiments confirmed the lack of H-2 specificity of such effectors: lysis of EL4 cells (H-2b) was inhibited strongly by YAC-1 cells (H-2a, very sensitive to NK lysis) or P815 cells (H-2d, autologous to the nu/nu effectors). Our results clearly challenge earlier conclusions and indicate that IL-2 alone does not reconstitute nude mice alloreactivity. Crude supernatants containing IL-2 and mitogen induce nonspecific effectors with patterns of reactivity similar to those of activated natural killers. We think that the cytotoxicity observed in these conditions in nude mice results from the mitogenic triggering of some kind of prethymic killer cells which subsequently are expanded by IL-2.

Animals↗